October in South Jersey usually means one thing: sooner or later, somebody in the house is going to say, “It’s freezing in here,” and the heat is going on. In my case, that was last night. The kids started pulling blankets off the blanket rack, and still firmly believe that socks don't keep their toes warm 🙄
Before that REALLY cold morning arrives, there are two simple things worth taking care of:
Change your HVAC filter, and have your heating system serviced.
They’re not exciting jobs, but they can make a big difference in how well your system performs once it starts running every day.
Start With the Filter
Your HVAC filter has a pretty important job. It helps capture dust, dirt, pet hair, and other particles before they get pulled through the system.
Over time, that filter gets dirty. And when it gets too dirty, airflow becomes restricted.
That can make your heating and cooling equipment work harder than it should, reduce airflow at the registers, affect comfort, and potentially contribute to unnecessary wear on the system.
So before you turn the heat on for the season, take a look at the filter.
If it looks like it could qualify as a science experiment, it’s probably time for a new one.
Not Every Filter Has the Same Schedule
You may hear some people say that HVAC filters should always be changed monthly or seasonally, but it really depends on the type of filter and the house.
Some basic 1-inch filters may need to be replaced fairly often, while thicker media filters can often go much longer. My 3" one for example, gets replaced every 6 months.
Homes with pets, lots of occupants, recent construction or remodeling dust, smokers, or heavier HVAC use may need more frequent filter changes.
The easiest rule?
Check it regularly.
If it looks dirty, replace it. Pro tip--get them on an Amazon subscription.
**MAKE SURE YOU INSTALL IT THE RIGHT DIRECTION**
A New Filter Is Great — But It’s Not a Furnace Tune-Up
Changing the filter is a homeowner maintenance item.
Servicing the heating equipment is different.
A qualified HVAC technician can inspect and clean components, check operation, evaluate burners, test safety controls, look at venting, and identify issues that may not be obvious to a homeowner.
That matters even more when dealing with fuel-burning equipment.
A furnace may turn on and produce heat while still having maintenance issues that deserve attention.
Your Furnace Has Been Sitting Around All Summer
Your heating system may have spent the last several months doing absolutely nothing.
Now you’re about to ask it to work every day for the next five or six months.
Before you ask it to work overtime, make sure it’s actually ready for the job.
Fall is a great time to schedule service because it gives you a chance to address problems before the first stretch of really cold weather.
Keep in mind, it may start to smell like a burnt oven at first...thats a lot of dust getting burnt off, that you probably should've had cleaned out!
Pay Attention to the Venting Too
During home inspections, I’m not just looking at whether the heating system turns on.
I’m also looking at things like visible venting conditions, corrosion, damaged components, improper clearances, signs of moisture, and other conditions that may indicate the system should be evaluated further.
As I've mentioned several times, with gas- or oil-fired equipment, proper venting is especially important because combustion gases need to safely exit the home.
If something looks damaged, disconnected, deteriorated, or just plain questionable, it deserves professional attention.
Don’t Forget the Area Around the Equipment
While you’re checking the filter, take a look around the furnace or boiler too.
The area should not become a storage closet for paint cans, cardboard boxes, cleaning products, gasoline, or anything else combustible.
Keeping the space around heating equipment clear makes it easier to inspect, service, and operate safely. A 3' space around your heater (or water heater, or electric panel) is a good rule of thumb.
A Little Maintenance Now Can Save a Bigger Headache Later
Changing an HVAC filter takes a few minutes.
Scheduling seasonal service takes a phone call.
Neither one is particularly exciting.
But both are a lot more enjoyable than waking up to a 55-degree house in January.
So before the heat becomes part of your daily routine, give your HVAC system a little attention.
Change the filter. Schedule the service. Clear the area around the equipment.
Whether you’re in Pitman, Glassboro, Deptford, Swedesboro, Mullica Hill, or anywhere else in South Jersey, fall is a good time to make sure your heating system is ready before the first real cold snap.
Your furnace is about to start its busy season.
Make sure it’s ready.
Albino Rhino Home Inspections LLC
South Jersey Home Inspections
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